14 February 2011

02.14 Update

I am proud to announce that I have very little news for you today. We're just trucking along this little feed and grow plan.

Lydia - 1950g (4 lbs 4 oz) Penny - 1250g (2 lbs 12 oz)

Penelope did need another blood transfusion today but is satting much better even immediately afterward. She's been upped to 3 bottles of 5 ccs each daily. She's also scheduled for a head ultrasound as well as a spinal ultrasound to check on her little dimple for next week. None of the doctors seem concerned about either.

Lydia has gone to all her feedings being by bottle or breast. She's also starting the process of being weaned off of her temperature assistance. She gets to keep her cute little Valentines outfit on (she says thanks Aunt Shelli) and whatever adorable hat we pick and the heat on the bed will be turned off. Then we'll check her temp every hour to see how she's doing. If she does well then we'll get to open the box and see how she does in the real world! This is only slightly nerve inducing for me because inside her box she's safe from sneezes or coughs or random airborne attack. I'll have to switch into "mama bear" mode and make sure she's protected.

While we're on the topic (as if you have a choice of topics in this situation) I'm tempted to go ahead and apologize for the tenacity with which I'll be protecting the girl's immune systems. But I won't give in to temptation. It's my most important job at this point in my life and in theirs to protect them from as much harm as I possibly can. The hard part is going to be that the harm they are most in danger of will come from sweet wonderful caring supportive family and friends. I guess it wont come FROM them but rather ON them, in the form of germs. It's going to be so difficult for me to tell people that they can't visit, see, touch, hold..etc...these precious babies that they've been praying for so fervently for so long. But the fact of the matter is that because of their weakened immune systems, one cold germ could possibly be deadly for my girls and I just can't risk that. I know that intellectually everyone will understand this, but I also know that emotionally it really stinks. So how about I go ahead and apologize for how difficult it will be for you to accept my non-apologetic "mama bear" germaphobia. Deal? Nevermind, you still don't have a choice.

Lots of love and uncountable gratitude

The Chus

Nana teaching Lydia the art of snuggling

Lydia relaxing in her Valentines outfit...trying to figure out why daddy keeps holding up that black clicking thing.

3 comments:

Anonymous
said...

Hi Jon, this is Jill aka Inklings from Xanga, wanted to let you know I'm praying for the girls and I've stayed up do date with your posts. Wishing you and your lovely wife a wonderful Valentine's Day! I used to work for California Children Services and had the privilege to assist premie babies from the day they were born till they turned 21 years old as a nurse case manager. The NICU journey is a long and arduous one, but you two are going through it as courageously and gracefully with our Heavenly Father's help. May God continue to pour blessing on your adorable family of four!

We were on lockdown for 6 months after Parker was released from the NICU. Most people understood, but some did not. Doing what you and Bethany believe is best for the girls and their health is BEST FOR THE GIRLS. Don't let anyone make you second guess yourself. There is nothing wrong with becoming a germ-a-phobe, I recently became one myself! Praying for all of you daily!